How to Start a Home Daycare Center

Do you love children? Are you looking for a way to earn a living from home? If so, consider starting your own home daycare center and enjoy the flexibility that comes with being your own boss.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose a designated space for your home daycare center. Great locations include a spare bedroom or unused office space.
2. Decorate the space. The room designated for the daycare should be kid-friendly. Include bright colors and designs, perhaps a mural of a rainbow or schoolhouse. Visit the parent-teacher supply store and pick-up a few wall posters, calendar and pictures.
3. Choose a curriculum. Will you teach the children, or simply provide care? Some home-based childcare centers teach basic skills such as ABC's, 123's, colors, letters, shapes, days of the week and months. You can find a wide selection of pre-school curriculum books at the parent-teacher supply store.
4. Research state requirements. Some states require that all home-based daycare centers receive a license. Unlicensed home daycare centers may have up to five children in care.
5. Buy daycare supplies. You'll need to keep the children entertain, fed and comfortable. Purchase a few play-pens, cots, tables, chairs, and plenty of toys and educational tools.
6. Write a contract. Home daycare centers are businesses, and you'll need a contract. The contract should include all important information such as price per week, termination notice requirement and observed Holidays. Ask parents to provide reliable contact information, child's medical insurance carrier and a list of known allergies.
7. Market your business. There are many ways to find children for your daycare. Word of mouth, signposts, newspaper classified and Internet posts are effective. Before accepting a new client, meet with the parents and child.
8. Have a two-week probationary period. Some children (and parents) will not be a good match for your daycare. You may have to terminate difficult children.